Green Flag day for four of the area’s parks

Four local parks have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award by Environmental Charity, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Solitude Park, Dromore Town Park, Loughbrickland Park, and Scarva Park, were selected for the award.

They are four of a record 43 green spaces across Northern Ireland to meet the benchmark this year.

Both Loughbrickland Park and Solitude Park won the award for the first time this year, meaning there are now more places than ever for ABC council residents and visitors to enjoy high quality outdoor spaces.

Of the green spaces to receive the award, eight are managed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the others being Bann Boulevard, Edenvilla Park, Lurgan Public Park, and Tannaghmore Gardens.

Recognised throughout the world, the Green Flag Award sets an international benchmark standard for the management of parks and green spaces. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Speaking at the awards, Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Darryn Causby said: “We are immensely proud to fly an incredible eight Green Flags in our area in recognition of both the outstanding quality of our green spaces, and the hard work and dedication required to achieve such an award.

“We hope to build on this year’s success with even more Green Flags for our green spaces next year.”

The scheme aims to encourage the provision of good quality public parks and green spaces that are managed in environmentally sustainable ways.

Parks and green spaces are judged against eight key criteria. Where certain criteria are not met, applicants can provide justifications that may be taken into account.

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful is an environmental charity working towards the vision of a beautiful Northern Ireland by inspiring people to take responsibility for creating cleaner, greener and more sustainable communities.